Homeschool on a Budget: Affordable Finds
Updated July 2026 · 5 min read
Homeschooling does not have to be expensive, and I am living proof. You can spend a fortune on fancy curriculum and gadgets, but we keep it simple and affordable and our days are just as full.
Here is how we stretch our homeschool budget, from the supplies worth buying cheap to the free resources that do a lot of the work for us.
Where we save
Buy basics in bulk
Pencils, crayons, and paper are so much cheaper by the pack. We stock up once and coast for months.
Shop my picks →Reusable over disposable
A laminator and dry erase workbooks mean we reprint and reuse instead of rebuying. It pays for itself fast.
Shop my picks →Secondhand and library books
Our library and used book finds keep our book basket full for almost nothing. Books are where I happily spend, but they do not have to cost much.
Shop my picks →Simple manipulatives
Counters, blocks, and letter tiles are inexpensive and get used across every subject. High use, low cost.
Shop my picks →One good storage cart
Instead of a whole room of furniture, one rolling cart holds everything and keeps us mobile and tidy.
Shop my picks →Shop this post
All my picks from this post rounded up in one spot on my Amazon storefront.
See my Amazon picks → As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.Frequently asked questions
Is homeschooling expensive to start?
It does not have to be. We started with basics, a few workbooks, and library books. You can always add more later once you know what you actually use.
Where do you splurge and where do you save?
I happily spend on books and a couple of quality manipulatives, and I save on everything disposable by buying in bulk and reusing what I can.
Are free resources actually good?
Yes. Between the library, printables, and simple everyday learning, so much of a young child's education can be low-cost or free without missing a thing.
Janet
Orlando mom and homeschooler behind Planet Janet TV. I share the real finds, routines, and deals I actually use. Come say hi on Instagram.
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